Spring racing: Everything you need is made in Victoria

The Spring Racing Carnival is a Victorian manufacturer’s time to shine. From bespoke fashion headwear and socks to food, wine and transport, locally made Victorian products are recognised globally for their quality and design.

Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes over $27 billion to the economy, with over 13,000 businesses employing more than 280,000 people across the state. In 2016-17, the industry exported about $18 billion of manufactured goods.

From fashion to food, everything you need for spring racing season is made in Victoria.

Fashion

Louise Macdonald milliner

Melbourne milliner Louise Macdonald has been creating hats for close to 30 years. Louise's designs are regular features each spring racing carnival in Melbourne, as well as at the Dubai World Cup and Royal Ascot. Her hats and bonnets have taken starring roles in movies and television productions, including the BBC’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. A selection of her designs are available from her online store, via appointment at her Melbourne CBD studio, and via limited stockists.

Humphrey Law socks

If you’re heading to Flemington’s Members Enclosure, the dress requirements for men insist that socks are not optional. Thankfully, a specialist sock manufacturer in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs have your feet covered.

Humphrey Law produces 100 per cent Australian made luxury socks for every type of foot. Manufactured in their original 1947 factory in Heathmont, the family-run business is just as committed to luxury socks as they are to sustainability. They recently installed 357 solar panels on the roof, meaning every second sock manufactured is generated by the power of the sun!

Ethical fashion

Victorian-based Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) supports local textile, clothing and footwear brands to become ethically accredited. By buying from ECA’s accredited businesses lists you can get the ethical edge to your spring racing attire knowing the people who made your clothes have been paid fairly and are working under the right conditions. Check out the full list of ECA accredited businesses, brands and manufacturers online.

Transport

X’Trapolis Metro Trains

Racegoers heading to Spring Racing Carnival events on Metro Trains will be travelling in rolling stock made in Victoria when they catch an X’Trapolis Metro Train. By Melbourne Cup Day in 2019, racegoers will potentially head to the track on the brand new High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs) with all 65 of the new trains being built in Newport with 60 per cent local content.

Food

Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods

Based in Seville, manufacturer Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods has been producing condiments for over 20 years. Their extensive range including jams, gourmet salad dressings, mustards, chutneys, vinegar, relishes and mayonnaise will ensure that any spring racing carnival picnic hamper is well dressed.

Milawa Cheese

Founded 30 years ago in a historical butter factory, Milawa Cheese Company produces cheese from the milk of cows and goats grazing in King Valley and the Victorian High Country. Their technique is traditional; all cheese is made, turned and washed by hand with no machinery involved. Their award-winning Brie, Blue and Camembert cheeses are the perfect addition to your race day cheese board.

Breakfast (the day after)

KR Castlemaine has been supplying Victorians with smallgoods for over 100 years. Their legacy in country Victoria began in 1911 with ham and bacon production.

For the morning after the race day before, KR Castlemaine will provide a crucial element: Don Smallgoods bacon. A welcome addition to your fry-up breakfast.

Industry Beans Coffee

Still on breakfast, consider Fitzroy’s Third Wave coffee roaster and café Industry Beans for your caffeine hit. And don’t forget to take your KeepCup with you, which is made in Lilydale. Since 2009, the company has sold over eight million KeepCups in 65 countries across the world, saving billions of reusable cups from landfill.

Drink

For the all-important race day sipping, Victoria’s wine producers are recognised around the world for their cool climate sparkling wines, chardonnay and pinot noir. Despite being the mainland’s smallest state, Victoria is Australia’s largest producer of wine with more wine growing regions and individual wineries than anywhere else in the country.